The death was announced yesterday, at the age of 71 of former rte presenter Michael Lyster.

But of course he was more than just a presenter in that organisation, he really was the face of Summer for anyone who loves gaelic games.

He presented the Sunday Game for 34 years with a mix of professionalism, humour, fairness and respect.

As soon as that famous theme tune kicked in you knew you were going to witness some action or game people would be talking about Monday morning.

Some of my earliest memories are of him and Enda Colleran chatting away about the big games that had taken place

Yet another part of childhood gone in a sign of becoming older. May he rest in peace.

ohwow (Leitrim) - Posts: 48 - 23/03/2026 10:22:24    2662448

Rip. I had the pleasure of meeting him at the Wexford rally a few times. A pure gentleman. I sometimes wonder if people like him realise that his voice narrates some of my most treasured memories.

Doylerwex (Wexford) - Posts: 4337 - 23/03/2026 10:52:49    2662460

So sad to hear of Mi hael s passing.Had the pleasure of meeting him years ago and found bim to be a real genuine decent person.A great presenter.He will be missed.Sincere condolences to his family and rest easy Michael.

CiarraiMick (Dublin) - Posts: 4119 - 23/03/2026 11:19:50    2662466

Was sorry to hear this yesterday. A GAA icon. The Sunday game has never been the same without him and the three boys. RIP Michael and condolences to his family and friends.

yew_tree (Mayo) - Posts: 11971 - 23/03/2026 11:52:08    2662479

He was the voice of the GAA for most of my lifetime. Rest in peace to Michael and condolences to his family

SaffronDon (Antrim) - Posts: 2626 - 23/03/2026 12:11:25    2662482

Loved him so much I took his name on here. THE face of gaelic games on RTE since I was a boy, here In north Antrim we were only able to receive RTE from 1983 onwards.

At the 2004 hurling QF v Cork in Croker I was in the corporate box beside the RTE one, I stuck my head round the barrier during the match to wave at him and Cyril Farrell, Michael didn't look amused lol.

M Lyster (Antrim) - Posts: 473 - 23/03/2026 12:28:46    2662491

Very sad news, my condolences to his family and friends, he always came across as a very humble mannered man who could handle the big personalities on the Sunday Game panels. His loss was felt when he stepped down.

Commodore (Donegal) - Posts: 1669 - 23/03/2026 12:44:17    2662498

RIP

MiAmigaVERONICA (Clare) - Posts: 328 - 23/03/2026 19:39:06    2662674

Michael Lyster was a great presenter of Sports Stadium, The Sunday Game and many other shows down through the years. Sad to hear of his passing. A big fan of motor racing also. The RTE gantry was very close to Kerry supporters in a Munster final in Pairc Ui Chaoimh many years ago. Michael Lyster across as genuine affable person. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

legendzxix (Kerry) - Posts: 9561 - 23/03/2026 22:32:14    2662714

R.I.P.

SouthGalway (Galway) - Posts: 250 - 24/03/2026 00:45:40    2662732

RIP and thank you for countless hours of engaging analysis and fun
with the 3 amigos on the telly.
Condolences to the Lyster family.

suckvalleypaddy (Galway) - Posts: 1778 - 24/03/2026 09:19:48    2662749

Condolences to all the family..he came across as a gentleman and had a cool head..he was a huge loss to the Sunday game programme..rip Michael.

CTGAA10 (Limerick) - Posts: 2662 - 24/03/2026 09:24:32    2662750

Some quotes from Denis Walsh today.

" Michael Lyster understood his role as presenter of the Sunday Game: He threw the ball in and only blew the whistle for unacceptable foul play"

"When people make their job look effortless, it is easy to lose sight of the skill and talent"

Rest in Peace Michael. We enjoyed your company in the house for many years.

letsgetgoing (Roscommon) - Posts: 861 - 24/03/2026 10:56:32    2662782